Baiduri Bank launched a new initiative to support local food truck vendors during the month of Ramadhan at its Headquarters today.

Officiating the launch of the initiative was Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs.

Named ‘Urban Bites by Baiduri’, this initiative offers a platform for local food truck vendors – Moonlight Kitchen, Casbah London Kebab and Bandar Bus during the month of Ramadhan at the open space facing the main entrance of Baiduri Bank Headquarters along 1 Jalan Gadong.

Urban Bites by Baiduri will open daily during the month of Ramadhan from 1:00pm to 7:00pm and will serve as another option for members of the public to buy food to break their fast with.

In his opening remarks, Mr Ti Eng Hui, CEO of Baiduri Bank highlighted that the ‘Urban Bites’ initiative aims to promote local entrepreneurship in support of the national agenda.

He said: “We developed this initiative to provide a platform for food truck vendors to run their businesses during the month of Ramadhan, while also utilising the strategic open space facing our Headquarters.”

“This collaboration between Baiduri Bank and Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, is an example of Private-Public Partnership to harness complementary resources and expertise for the betterment of our community.”

Providing platforms such as Urban Bites is in line with Baiduri Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, one of which is aimed at supporting and empowering local businesses. Additionally, since these food trucks are self-sufficient and use less energy compared to traditional brick and mortar stores, the initiative is also in line with the Bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Mr Ti also added that depending on how well the initiative is received by the public during the fasting month, Urban Bites could transition to an initiative held throughout the year.

He said: “Over time, we hope ‘Urban Bites will be warmly received by the public, so that more ‘made-in-Brunei’ franchises can utilize the space too. We also hope it would inspire other budding entrepreneurs to use this platform and opportunity to gain experience and venture into their own food businesses”.